Man fatally shot by Bedford deputy identified

BEDFORD, Va. (AP) - Virginia State Police have identified a man who was fatally shot by a Bedford County deputy following a pursuit.

State police spokeswoman Corinne Geller says 32-year-old David A. Mendoza forced his way into a residence on July 29 and unsuccessfully tried to steal a vehicle. He fled on a dirt bike.

Deputies spotted Mendoza about 50 minutes later and began a pursuit. He rode through a series of fields and eluded them.

Geller says Mendoza then broke into a boat prop repair shop and stole a pickup truck and clothes. Another pursuit began when a deputy saw the pickup traveling recklessly.

Geller says the pickup reached a dead end, turned and hit the patrol car. Mendoza was shot when he got out of the truck and approached the officer.